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Minister for Overseas Development Aid and the Diaspora, Colm Brophy T.D., today congratulated David Beasley and his team at the World Food Programme on their deserved receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Minister Brophy said:

“It is fitting that the World Food Programme, an essential part of the United Nations Humanitarian System, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.  Its work, in places at war or at risk in other ways, is lifesaving, feeding tens of millions of people every day.  

COVID-19 is complicating its already challenging mission, doubling the numbers of those short of food in only a few months. WFP has responded strongly, not just feeding people but also providing the logistics backbone for global efforts, ensuring that emergency supplies and aid workers can get to where they are most needed.  

Combatting hunger and malnutrition is a key part of Irish Aid’s work.  I am proud of our strong partnership with the WFP and congratulate its head, David Beasley, together with his hardworking teams across the world.  Well done.  Your success is well earned, and a reminder too of the essential role which the multilateral system plays in promoting food security and peace.”

Note for Editors

Ireland has provided over €25 million in support for World Food Programme’s humanitarian work so far in 2020, comprising core funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine complemented by country specific responses in Irish Aid programme countries.